Learning a new language can be a difficult and time-consuming task. However, with the right resources, you can learn languages quickly and effectively. Here are ten of the best free resources for language learners, with details on how a new learner can best utilize them.
Top free resources for new language learners
1. Duolingo: Duolingo is a fun, interactive language-learning website and app. It provides users with a gamified learning experience that focuses on reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. New language learners can benefit from Duolingo’s interactive exercises and timed tests to improve their language skills
- Explore: https://www.duolingo.com
2. BBC Languages: BBC Languages is a site that offers language courses in over 40 languages. The courses are divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Each course includes audio and video clips, interactive exercises and activities, and printable worksheets. New learners can utilize BBC Languages to learn a language from the comfort of their own home.
3. Memrise: Memrise is a website and app designed to help users learn and remember vocabulary. It features interactive exercises and quizzes to test and reinforce knowledge. New learners can use Memrise’s flashcards and word games to learn new vocabulary quickly and effectively.
- Explore: https://www.memrise.com
4. LingQ: LingQ is a language-learning platform that offers audio and text lessons designed to help users learn languages from native speakers. It also features a library of lessons from podcasts and other sources. New learners can use LingQ to learn pronunciation, grammar, and other aspects of language quickly and easily.
- Explore: https://www.lingq.com
5. Language Exchange: Language Exchange is a website and app that connects language learners with native speakers. Users can search for language partners in their area or online, and then arrange to meet or chat in order to practice the language they are learning. New language learners can use Language Exchange to find people to practice their language skills with.
- Explore: https://en.language.exchange
6. HelloTalk: HelloTalk is a language-learning app that connects language learners with native speakers. It features tools to help users practice speaking and writing, and also includes a translation feature. New language learners can use HelloTalk to practice their language skills with native speakers from all over the world.
- Explore: https://www.hellotalk.com
7. iTalki: iTalki is a website and app that connects language learners with native speakers for language lessons. It also features a community of language learners where users can ask questions and get feedback. New learners can use iTalki to get personalized lessons from native speakers and get feedback on their progress.
- Explore: https://www.italki.com
8. TED Talks: TED Talks are videos of inspiring talks given by experts in various fields. The talks are available in multiple languages, and they provide an excellent way to learn new words and phrases while being inspired. New language learners can use TED Talks to learn new words and phrases from native speakers.
- Explore: https://www.ted.com/talks
9. FluentU: FluentU is an interactive language-learning platform that provides real-world videos with interactive exercises to help users learn new words and phrases. It also features a library of lessons from native speakers, and an AI-powered speech recognition tool to help users improve their pronunciation. New language learners can use FluentU to improve their listening and pronunciation skills.
- Explore: https://www.fluentu.com/
10. Open Culture: Open Culture is a website that provides free language-learning resources such as audio and video lessons, books, and podcasts. It also features a library of lessons from native speakers, and a dictionary of words and phrases. New language learners can use Open Culture to find resources to help them learn a language quickly and effectively.
- Explore: https://www.openculture.com
In order to maximize the effectiveness of these resources, new language learners should create a schedule and stick to it. You should also make use of multiple resources to ensure you are fully immersed in the language. Furthermore, you should practice speaking and writing with native speakers, and use interactive exercises to test and reinforce their knowledge. With these tips and the right resources, new language learners can learn languages quickly and effectively.
Additional FREE resources
Free French Resources
- The French Experiment: Free French lessons, stories, reviews and cats!
- London Speaks French: Vocabulary and grammar lessons with a helpful pronunciation tool to compare your voice to natives’.
Free German Resources
- Deutsch-lernen.com: With 10 beginner and 24 advanced grammar lessons, this free resource is a great starting point for beginning learners and those intimidated by the infamously frustrating German grammar.
- DeutschAkademie: This größter Online-Deutschkurs has helpful audio clips, interactive lessons and links to in-person courses in Berlin and other parts of Central Europe.
Free Spanish Resources
- StudySpanish.com: Don’t be fooled by the simple name. With exhaustive information and lessons on all aspects of the language, it’s a Spanish linguistic powerhouse and a goldmine for learners.
- Spanish Games: Learn Spanish with fun, interactive vocabulary games.
- 123 Teach Me: A mega-resource for all things Spanish, including free online games, courses, word of the day and a handy verb conjugator.
Free Chinese Resources
- CCTV: Chinese public television and a BBC-like array of written media and resources for Chinese language learners.
- Chinese-Tools.com: A 40-lesson online course with a learner forum and Chinese dictionary.
- Zhongwen Red: In-context vocabulary and culture lessons in a conversation-like format.
Free Japanese Resources
- Japanese Online: A simple beginner’s resource with four units on the basics, topic modifiers, sentence structures and Japanese traditions.
- NHK World: This Japanese public broadcaster maintains its own online magazine, including language lessons, audio clips and video resources for learners.
Free Arabic Resources
- Arabic Online: This website from the European Union aims to help beginners familiarize themselves with the Arabic language and offers several paid courses beyond the beginner level.
- Arabic Keyboard: Aside from helping you with tricky Arabic script and the grammar that goes along with it, this site includes super helpful, practical information about the Arabic language, its dialects and where/how to use them.
- Arabic Reading Course: For absolute beginners, this letter-by-letter course is the perfect jump-start to get you reading and writing in Arabic.
Free Portuguese Resources
- Learn Portuguese with Rafa: Beyond introductory lessons on topics like counting and ordering food, Rafa maintains a sidebar full of links on everything from traditional recipes to doing business in Portuguese.
- Todo Mundo Pod: An exciting São Paulo-based podcast with basic tips in English and the rest in beautiful Brazilian Portuguese.
- Practice Portuguese: Get started with the free Practice Portuguese Podcast for those looking to learn Iberian (European) Portuguese.
- Really Learn Portuguese: Podcasts and flashcards for beginner, intermediate and advanced learners, all brought to you by two friendly Brazilians.
Originally posted 2023-04-08 08:38:14.
